strict

comparative stricter · superlative strictest

1. Strained; drawn close; tight.

   strict embrace

   1 more example

   strict ligature

   Synonyms: taut, tensioned, nonslack, strained, stretched, taut, tense, tensioned

2. Tense; not relaxed.

   strict fiber

3. Exact; accurate; precise; rigorously particular.

   to keep strict watch

   1 more example

   to pay strict attention

   Synonyms: correct, dead on, thorough, accurate, careful, surgical, comprehensive, solicitous

4. Governed or governing by exact rules; observing exact rules; severe; rigorous.

   they are very strict in observing the Sabbath

   1 more example

   No one, however, would have anything to do with him, as Mr. Keeson's orders in those respects were very strict ; he had often threatened any one of his employés with instant dismissal if he found him in company with one of these touts.

   1904–1905, Baroness Orczy [i.e., Emma Orczy], “The Hocussing of Cigarette”, in The Case of Miss Elliott, London: T[homas] Fisher Unwin, published 1905, →OCLC; republished as popular edition, London: Greening & Co., 1909, OCLC 11192831, quoted in The Case of Miss Elliott (ebook no. 2000141h.html), Australia: Project Gutenberg of Australia, February 2020

   Synonyms: nice, precise, puritanical

5. Rigidly interpreted; exactly limited; confined; restricted.

   to understand words in a strict sense

   Synonyms: narrow, proper

6. biologyUpright, or straight and narrow; — said of the shape of the plants or their flower clusters.
7. Severe in discipline.

   It was a very strict lesson.

   1 more example

   Our teacher was always very strict. If we didn't behave, we would get punished.

   Synonyms: brutal, harsh, stringent, tough, brutal, callous, cold, insensate · Antonyms: lenient, lax, permissive

8. mathematicsIrreflexive; if the described object is defined to be reflexive, that condition is overridden and replaced with irreflexive.